Quinta da Boa Vista

We visited Quinta da Boa Vista in February 2020. It’s a steep but manageable 18 minute walk from the Teleferico area of the old town. For any plant lover this is well worth a visit; we were delighted with the fabulous display of orchids... there are very many to see as well as an enormous Jade Vine with huge hanging flowers. This is not a public garden type or park type experience, it’s more like a private collection displayed on row after row of tables, and hanging from the roof above in rustic surroundings. After we looked at the orchids (there are some to buy too) we walked around the garden, and then had coffee and cakes on the terrace over looking the city... again in fairly rustic but charming surroundings. The home-made cake (we selected carrot and orange) was served with cream whipped up with passion fruit , and was simply divine! We chatted to the owner who was so knowledgeable about orchids and horticulture generally and so this was a good learning experience as well. Ignore anything you see on the internet about this place being closed due to a fire... that was years ago, it’s now very much open 😊

Outstanding for those who cherish plants. The variety of orchids as well as other species is well worth several hours. It's not a sprawling landscape of overly manipulated gardens but a working facility. If you love plants, you'll love Quinta da Boa Vista. After enjoying the lath houses head for the belvedere at the edge of the outdoor plantings and have tea and homemade cake while enjoying a spectacular panorama of Funchal.

Better orchid show that the botanics! Really enjoyed our visit, in spite of the climb (if you don't like hills, best get a cab or bus!). There were lots of orchids and other plants in flower and the variety was impressive. The owner is really knowledgeable and happy to talk if you have a question or two. We arrived too late for the coffee and cakes but sat on the tree-shaded veranda offering lovely views over Funchal. And bought some orchids of course (as long as there's no soil, moving plants within the EU is fine).

Had 2 magical hours talking with owner Patrick Garton learning things about orchids that are just not in books. His powers of observation are amazing and his enthusiasm unsurpassed.

In spite of having read that you could visit this place and the sign leading up from the main road, on approach I was a bit worried I was accidentally trespassing, because it took quite a while to get to a clear entrance and there were signs saying 'Private' in many places. Looking for someone to 'check in' with, I did finally arrive at the greenhouse, where a very friendly man was giving explanations about the garden and the orchids. The entrance was 4.50, which for me was fine. The place isn't very big, but they do have a great variety of orchids and some interesting plants outside as well. If you're in Funchal, like plants and have some time to spare, it's a pleasant visit.